The defensive end will make his Edmonton Eskimo debut on Sunday against the Alouettes - but he will arrive in Quebec via Ohio.

Cheatwood left practice rather early yesterday to attend to a personal matter in the U.S.

"He is scheduled to go back home," said Edmonton head coach Danny Maciocia. "We knew that from the beginning when we signed him that he has an appointment back in Cleveland on Friday.

"So, we were looking at flights and this was the best case scenario. There is no problem. He will be in Montreal on Saturday."

With Kenny Hollis a definite scratch for this weekend's game because of a hamstring injury, Cheatwood will take his roster spot.

SHORT YARDAGE: Tyler Ebell will start at running back on Sunday, taking his battered shoulder back to the battlefield.

Ebell has been dealing with an injured shoulder for weeks by resting it during the majority of practice sessions each week.

"You got to be tough any time you are as banged up as he is - shoulder, ankle and a few other things," said Maciocia. He just keeps on taking the pounding and delivering the blows. You've got to appreciate that in between the ears he is as tough as they come."

EXTRA POINTS: Aware of the ever-changing reports on who could start at quarterback for Montreal, Maciocia is preparing for Anthony Calvillo. Even though it seems Calvillo won't start because of a rotator cuff injury - meaning either Marcus Brady or Jason Maas will get the call - Maciocia is playing it safe.

"I think if A.C. doesn't play and Jason plays there is a lot of similarity between the two," said Maciocia. "They are pocket quarterbacks. Rarely will they get flushed out."